The Impact of Noise on Workers

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 145 views

Introduction

Noise is one of the most significant physical hazards faced by workers in various industries, including PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk, which is engaged in crumb rubber production. The company's production unit is plagued by a serious noise problem, with noise levels reaching 90 to 99 dB (A) and lasting for 8 hours every day. This excessive noise not only causes discomfort for workers but can also trigger negative effects such as hearing loss, fatigue, and difficulty in communicating at work. In this article, we will analyze the noise exposure at PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk and discuss efforts to overcome the noise level.

Noise Exposure at PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk

Noise exposure is a serious concern at PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk, with noise levels exceeding the threshold determined by the government through the Decree of the Minister of Manpower No. Kep.51/Men/1999. The measurement results revealed that the highest noise occurs in the dryer engine area, with an exposure value that is far exceeding the standard set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is between 531.2% to 892.2%. This situation requires immediate action to design noise level management techniques in order to maintain the health and safety of the operators' work.

The Impact of Noise on Workers

Excessive noise can have a significant impact on workers, including:

Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss, which can affect a worker's ability to communicate and perform their job duties.
Fatigue: Noise can cause physical and mental fatigue, leading to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism.
Difficulty in Communicating: Excessive noise can make it difficult for workers to communicate with each other, which can lead to misunderstandings and errors.

Efforts to Overcome Noise Level

To overcome the noise level at PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk, the company can implement various noise management techniques, including:

Engineering Control: Installing barriers or sound barriers to absorb and reduce noise levels without disrupting production flow.
Administrative Control: Implementing noise reduction policies and procedures, such as providing ear protection to workers and enforcing noise-free zones.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing workers with earplugs or earmuffs to reduce noise exposure.

The Benefits of Noise Management

Implementing noise management techniques can have numerous benefits for workers and the company, including:

Improved Health and Safety: Reducing noise exposure can help prevent hearing loss, fatigue, and other health problems.
Increased Productivity: A quieter work environment can improve communication and reduce errors, leading to increased productivity.
Improved Morale: A safer and more comfortable work environment can improve worker morale and reduce turnover.

Conclusion

In conclusion, noise exposure is a serious concern at PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk, and requires immediate action to design noise level management techniques. By implementing effective noise management techniques, the company can improve the health and safety of its workers, increase productivity, and improve morale. The success of the implementation of noise management techniques is expected to be the first step towards better noise management in the future, creating a safer and more convenient work environment for all employees.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis, the following recommendations are made:

Conduct a thorough noise assessment: Conduct a thorough noise assessment to identify the sources of noise and determine the level of noise exposure.
Implement noise reduction techniques: Implement noise reduction techniques, such as installing barriers or sound barriers, to reduce noise levels.
Provide ear protection: Provide workers with earplugs or earmuffs to reduce noise exposure.
Enforce noise-free zones: Enforce noise-free zones to reduce noise exposure and improve communication.

Q: What is noise exposure, and why is it a concern at PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk?

A: Noise exposure refers to the level of noise that workers are exposed to in their work environment. At PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk, noise exposure is a concern because the noise level recorded reaches 90 to 99 dB (A) and lasts for 8 hours every day, exceeding the threshold determined by the government through the Decree of the Minister of Manpower No. Kep.51/Men/1999.

Q: What are the effects of noise exposure on workers?

A: Excessive noise can cause physical and mental health problems, including hearing loss, fatigue, and difficulty in communicating at work. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can also lead to permanent hearing loss, which can affect a worker's ability to communicate and perform their job duties.

Q: What are the benefits of implementing noise management techniques at PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk?

A: Implementing noise management techniques can have numerous benefits for workers and the company, including improved health and safety, increased productivity, and improved morale. A quieter work environment can improve communication and reduce errors, leading to increased productivity.

Q: What are some effective noise management techniques that can be implemented at PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk?

A: Some effective noise management techniques that can be implemented at PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk include:

Engineering Control: Installing barriers or sound barriers to absorb and reduce noise levels without disrupting production flow.
Administrative Control: Implementing noise reduction policies and procedures, such as providing ear protection to workers and enforcing noise-free zones.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing workers with earplugs or earmuffs to reduce noise exposure.

Q: How can PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk ensure that workers are aware of the risks associated with noise exposure and take steps to prevent it?

A: PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk can ensure that workers are aware of the risks associated with noise exposure and take steps to prevent it by:

Conducting regular noise assessments: Conducting regular noise assessments to identify the sources of noise and determine the level of noise exposure.
Providing training and education: Providing training and education to workers on the risks associated with noise exposure and the importance of noise management.
Encouraging worker participation: Encouraging worker participation in noise management efforts, such as suggesting noise reduction techniques and providing feedback on noise levels.

Q: What are the consequences of not implementing noise management techniques at PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk?

A: The consequences of not implementing noise management techniques at PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk can include:

Increased risk of hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to permanent hearing loss, which can affect a worker's ability to communicate and perform their job duties.
Decreased productivity: Excessive noise can cause physical and mental fatigue, leading to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism.
Negative impact on worker morale: A noisy work environment can negatively impact worker morale and lead to increased turnover.

Q: How can PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk measure the effectiveness of noise management techniques?

A: PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk can measure the effectiveness of noise management techniques by:

Conducting regular noise assessments: Conducting regular noise assessments to determine the level of noise exposure and identify areas for improvement.
Monitoring worker feedback: Monitoring worker feedback on noise levels and suggesting noise reduction techniques.
Tracking productivity and absenteeism: Tracking productivity and absenteeism to determine the impact of noise management techniques on worker performance.

By implementing effective noise management techniques and measuring their effectiveness, PT. Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, Tbk can improve the health and safety of its workers, increase productivity, and improve morale.